Anxiety

People experience anxiety as part of their normal life. Anxiety is a natural chemical reaction in the body which releases adrenaline and other chemicals in to the blood stream, and people can feel anxious when they feel worried, stressed, under pressure, and when they are in a low mood.

When feeling anxious people may experience a wide range of physical symptoms such as: increased heart rate, neck and shoulder muscle tension, feeling nauseated, a ‘knot’ in the stomach, diarrhoea, and feelings of tiredness.

Triggers for feeling anxious can result from a wide range of factors including: poor work life balance, employment status, personal relationships, family life, finance issues and feeling lonely and isolated.

It is important that people look after their personal wellbeing – body and mind. One in six adults experiences mental ill health at any one time. Mental health is about how people think, their emotions, their outlook on life, and how they cope with challenges.

It is an essential part of wellbeing and can positively affect most areas of people’s lives: education, employment, family and relationships.

Just as people need to eat the right things and exercise regularly to feel well physically, they also need to look after their mental wellbeing and prevent stress.

There are a number of resources to help residents look after their mental health.

The Horsham District Wellbeing Service

A free, friendly and impartial service delivered by Horsham District Council and other partners, offers free information, advice and support to help people achieve healthier lifestyles. Further help and support is available on its website (http://horsham.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk/) or by calling 01403 215111.

NHS Moodzone

Is a helpful resource for helping to boost people’s moods, cope with stress, anxiety or depression or simply improve their overall emotional wellbeing.